In 1962, with God's help, Rev. Fletcher Crawford and the membership were led to its present location at 1488 Hoe Avenue in the Bronx, New York. The building was purchased for $29,500. December 8, 1974, the church's mortgage was burned at a memorable ceremony attended by members, friends, and well-wishers from throughout the Metropolitan area. The late Reverend M.L. Wilson, Pastor of Convent Avenue Baptist Church, officiated and preached the "Mortgage Burning Service." In February 1979, the Pastor was blessed to visit the Holy Land. While there, he was inspired by God to build a new church. Upon his return to New York, he met with his official staff and the church membership. He revealed to the members that God had instructed him to "build a church." At that meeting, the membership voted to expand the church instead of building a new one. The expansion work had begun when the Pastor returned to the membership and said we had to build from the ground a new church due to complications that would interfere with expanding the building. Our last day of worship in the Old Union Grove Baptist Church was the fourth Sunday in July 1983. 

While the new church was under construction, services were initially held at the Bronx Boy's Club, located at Hoe Avenue and 173rd Street. Then God touched the heart of Reverend Milan, Pastor Beulah Assembly of God Church, where we remained until we returned to Union Grove's new church building on April 28, 1984. Many ministers, politicians, and community leaders from the Bronx and the surrounding Metropolitan area attended the dedication service. Reverend Jasper Simmons, Pastor of File Chapel Baptist Church, conducted and preached the dedication service. We purchased new pews, carpeting, lights, tables, chairs, and a baby grand piano for our opening day.

Since our new beginning in 1984, the neighborhood has changed tremendously. As Pastor Crawford envisioned, the once-vacant buildings have been rebuilt, and new neighbors are returning to the community. "Building with a vision of tomorrow and an understanding of today, to build as unto the Lord a house where all men may pray; a place where young and old may fellowship and pray." A determined Pastor and hardworking membership committed to continuing God's work with tithes and offerings, fundraising events, loans from members, and annual days set aside by groups and auxiliaries have made it possible. The costs of this new building amounted to over $300,000.

In addition to these accomplishments, hundreds have been added to the church, Sunday school membership and attendance have shown tremendous growth, stewardship giving has increased, and the tradition of faithful Biblical preaching has continued.

Since history is still being recorded, let us labor together with God so our church will be a Colony of Heaven. As we take inventory of the past and the present, there is no reason to doubt the future, for Jesus Christ is Lord.

In August 2006, Rev. Dr. Fletcher C. Crawford retired after 50 years of pastoring. Pastor Frederick Crawford was installed as the Senior Pastor of UGMBC in 2006, where he continues a family legacy as the third-generation Pastor of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church. 

Pastor Crawford is a spiritual man on a mission for God. Though challenging at times, Rev. Crawford has mentored, counseled, and ministered to numerous individuals. His Sunday morning messages are broadcasted weekly on ugmbc-ny.org, Facebook, and YouTube on Sunday mornings at 10 am. UGMBC's services are viewed in over 40 states and four countries by roughly 7,000 followers. 

Pastor Crawford has established a strong community presence, as Union Grove is located in the poorest part of the Bronx.

Community Service:

Under the leadership of Pastor Crawford, UGMBC has devised numerous programs to assist families within the community.